/ ˈluːsn; NAmE / verb
1.
to make sth less tight or firmly fixed; to become less tight or firmly fixed
SYN slacken :
[ vn ]
First loosen the nuts, then take off the wheel.
[ v ]
The rope holding the boat loosened.
2.
[ vn ] to make a piece of clothing, hair, etc. loose, when it has been tied or fastened
3.
[ vn ] loosen your hands, hold, etc. to hold sb/sth less tightly :
He loosened his grip and let her go.
( figurative )
The military regime has not loosened its hold on power.
4.
[ vn ] to make sth weaker or less controlled than before
SYN relax :
The party has loosened its links with big business.
OPP tighten
•
IDIOMS
- loosen sb's tongue
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- loosen up
- loosen up | loosen sb/sth up